2026 Ferrari Roma Spider vs. Aston Martin DB12 Volante

• The 2026 Ferrari Roma Spider is lighter in character, quicker to respond, and more closely connected to Ferrari’s sports-car engineering.
• The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 Volante produces more horsepower and torque, but it approaches performance with the feel of a traditional luxury grand tourer.
• Both feature twin-turbocharged V8 engines and power-folding fabric roofs, but the Roma Spider’s dual-clutch transmission and compact proportions give it a sharper personality.

The 2026 Ferrari Roma Spider and 2026 Aston Martin DB12 Volante represent two distinct approaches to open-top grand touring. Each combines a front-mounted twin-turbocharged V8 with rear-wheel drive, a 2+2 seating layout, and a fabric roof that can be operated while the vehicle is moving. Their similarities make them natural competitors, but their personalities begin to separate as soon as the road starts to curve.

The DB12 Volante prioritizes power, cabin comfort, and effortless long-distance speed. The Roma Spider feels smaller, more responsive, and more closely tied to Ferrari’s performance-first philosophy. For Chicago and North Shore drivers comparing these two convertibles, the deciding factor is not simply which one produces the larger horsepower number. It is whether you want a traditional luxury tourer or a Ferrari that brings greater immediacy to every input.

2026 Ferrari Roma Spider vs. Aston Martin DB12 Volante Specs

The DB12 Volante leads in peak output with 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The Roma Spider counters with faster acceleration to 62 mph, a dual-clutch transmission, and a more compact footprint. That difference illustrates why specification sheets only tell part of the story. Ferrari uses its available power differently, placing a greater emphasis on response, balance, and how quickly the car reacts to the driver.

Ferrari Roma Spider Performance and Engine Response

The Roma Spider’s 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission derived from the architecture used in other modern Ferrari models. Ferrari places the engine behind the front axle, helping concentrate mass closer to the center of the car and supporting the Roma Spider’s front-mid-engine balance.

Its performance is immediate without making the car difficult to use around Lake Bluff or Chicago. The dual-clutch transmission changes gears quickly, while the engine delivers increasing power as it approaches the upper portion of the rev range. Drivers can learn more about the engine, acceleration, and key chassis systems in our detailed guide to Ferrari Roma Spider performance.

Aston Martin DB12 Volante Power and Performance

The DB12 Volante uses a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It pairs that engine with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and an electronic rear differential. Aston Martin estimates a 3.6-second sprint from zero to 60 mph and a 202-mph top speed.

Although the Aston Martin makes more power, it does not accelerate as quickly as the Ferrari to 62 mph. Its added output supports strong passing power and sustained high-speed travel, but the conventional automatic transmission has a smoother, less urgent character than Ferrari’s dual-clutch unit. The DB12 Volante is highly capable, though it communicates its performance through muscular torque rather than the Roma Spider’s fast-revving response.

Which Convertible Feels More Engaging?

The Roma Spider has the advantage for drivers who place steering response, gear changes, and chassis feedback near the top of their list. Its five-position Manettino provides access to Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race, and ESC-Off settings. These modes adjust the suspension, power delivery, transmission behavior, and electronic controls around different road conditions and driver preferences.

Ferrari Side Slip Control coordinates systems including the electronic differential, traction control, stability control, and adaptive suspension. The result is a car that can remain composed during a relaxed drive along Sheridan Road while still providing the responsiveness expected from a Ferrari on a more demanding route. Our guide to Ferrari driver modes explains how the Manettino changes vehicle behavior.

The DB12 Volante also offers five dynamic settings, an electronic rear differential, four-stage stability control, and intelligent adaptive dampers. Its steering and chassis are considerably more performance-focused than those of older Aston Martin grand tourers. Even so, the DB12’s longer proportions and greater emphasis on isolation make it feel more like a powerful open-air GT. The Roma Spider feels closer to a sports car that happens to be comfortable enough for a weekend away.

Soft-Top Design and Open-Air Driving

Ferrari returned to a fabric roof for the Roma Spider, marking the first use of a front-engine soft top on a series-production Ferrari since the 365 GTS4. The five-layer roof takes 13.5 seconds to open or close and can operate at speeds up to approximately 37 mph. It folds into a compact area behind the cabin, helping preserve the Roma’s low rear profile.

The DB12 Volante uses an eight-layer K-fold fabric roof designed to provide acoustic and thermal insulation. It opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The roof can also be operated remotely when the driver is standing near the car.

Both systems are practical for changing weather around Lake Michigan. The Ferrari roof operates slightly faster and at a higher vehicle speed, which can be useful when a light summer shower arrives unexpectedly. More importantly, the Roma Spider retains the restrained proportions that made the original Roma design so recognizable.

Interior Design and Technology

The Roma Spider separates the driver and front passenger with a dual-cockpit cabin layout. The driver faces a 16-inch digital instrument display, while an 8.4-inch vertical central touchscreen manages navigation, media, climate settings, and connected functions. An available 8.8-inch passenger display provides performance and trip information without distracting the driver.

Ferrari places many major controls on the steering wheel, including the Manettino and engine-start control. This approach keeps the driver’s hands close to the steering wheel and reinforces the cabin’s performance focus. Buyers can personalize materials, colors, stitching, wheels, and exterior details through the Ferrari Lake Forest Atelier Design Studio.

The DB12 Volante takes a more traditional luxury approach. Its infotainment system uses a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical switches remain available for climate control, gear selection, exhaust settings, chassis adjustments, and other frequently used features. The cabin can also be equipped with a 15-speaker, 1,170-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

The Aston Martin offers a more conventional interface and places greater emphasis on decorative materials and audio technology. The Ferrari’s cabin is more tightly centered around the driver. Neither approach lacks comfort or quality, but the Roma Spider makes its purpose clear every time the driver reaches for the steering wheel.

Practicality for Chicago and North Shore Driving

Both convertibles provide small rear seats that are better suited to bags, occasional passengers, or additional storage than routine adult use. The DB12 Volante offers more of the relaxed character associated with a long-distance grand tourer. Its torque, insulated roof, and cabin technology make it well suited to highway trips.

The Roma Spider’s smaller visual footprint and responsive controls can make it more enjoyable on North Shore roads, through downtown traffic, or along routes where curves and elevation changes provide more opportunities to use the chassis. Its front-engine layout also provides usable luggage space for shorter trips without moving away from Ferrari performance.

Neither vehicle is intended for regular winter use in northern Illinois. Owners planning to keep a Roma Spider off the road during salt season can review Ferrari Lake Forest’s luxury vehicle storage options in Lake Bluff.

Which Open-Top Grand Tourer Is the Better Choice?

The 2026 Aston Martin DB12 Volante is a compelling choice for drivers who prioritize higher peak output, a richly appointed cabin, and the relaxed confidence of a traditional British grand tourer. It is fast, powerful, and considerably more dynamic than the Aston Martin convertibles that preceded it.

The 2026 Ferrari Roma Spider is the stronger choice for drivers who want their convertible to feel closely connected to a modern Ferrari sports car. Its quicker acceleration, dual-clutch transmission, compact proportions, Manettino settings, and front-mid-engine balance produce a more immediate connection between the car and its driver. The Roma Spider can handle a comfortable trip across the Midwest, but it never lets that capability overshadow its Ferrari character.

With the Roma nearing the end of its production run, availability may increasingly include remaining examples and carefully selected pre-owned vehicles. Buyers can review the current pre-owned Ferrari inventory or consider the added inspection and warranty benefits available through the Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned program.

Find Your Ferrari at Ferrari Lake Forest

Ferrari Lake Forest has served Ferrari owners and collectors since 1981 from our Lake Bluff facility near Chicago. Our team can help you compare Roma Spider availability, evaluate other open-top Ferrari models, and understand the personalization and ownership services available through an authorized Ferrari dealer.

Contact Ferrari Lake Forest to discuss the Ferrari Roma Spider or another model that matches the way you plan to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Ferrari Roma a coupe or a convertible?

The Ferrari Roma was offered as a coupe, while the Ferrari Roma Spider is the open-top version. The Roma Spider is the more direct competitor to the Aston Martin DB12 Volante because both use power-folding fabric roofs.

Is the Ferrari Roma Spider faster than the Aston Martin DB12 Volante?

The Ferrari Roma Spider reaches 62 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds, while the DB12 Volante reaches 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds and 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. The Aston Martin has a slightly higher published top speed of 202 mph.

Which has more horsepower, the Ferrari Roma Spider or DB12 Volante?

The Aston Martin DB12 Volante produces more peak output with 671 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The Ferrari Roma Spider produces 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque but counters with quicker acceleration and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Which convertible is better for a performance-focused driver?

The Ferrari Roma Spider is likely the better fit for a performance-focused driver because of its quicker responses, dual-clutch transmission, Manettino settings, front-mid-engine balance, and integrated Ferrari chassis controls.